ticklish

UK: /ˈtɪklɪʃ/ US: /ˈtɪklɪʃ/ ,(tik′lish)

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

tick•lish /ˈtɪklɪʃ/   adj. 

1. sensitive to tickling:
   very ticklish on the soles of her feet.
2. calling for or needing delicate, careful handling:
   a ticklish situation.

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

tick•lish  (tik′lish), adj. 

1. sensitive to tickling.
2. requiring careful or delicate handling or action;
   difficult or risky;
   dicey:
   a ticklish situation.
3. extremely sensitive;
   touchy:
   He is ticklish about being interrupted.
4. unstable or easily upset, as a boat;
   unsteady.

• tickle + -ish¹ 1575–85

tick′lish•ly, adv. 
tick′lish•ness, n. 

Collins Concise English Dictionary © HarperCollins Publishers::

ticklish / ˈtɪklɪʃ/ adjective

1. susceptible and sensitive to being tickled
2. delicate or difficult
3. easily upset or offended

ˈticklishly adverb

ˈticklishness noun